Gulf of Mexico - Shipwreck Log

Mu Du Bong

July 15, 2014 Paul Hancock

The 6700 mt cargo ship Mu Du Bong ran aground in the Gulf of Mexico near Tuxpan, Mexico. The Mu Du Bong was en route to Tuxpan from Cuba in ballast to load a cargo of fertilizer when it ran aground onto a reef. No reports of injuries. The Mexican Navy along with environmental agencies have dispatched teams to the scene due to the possible damage caused to the reef area. Reports state the crew of the Mu Du Bong did not follow the establish route resulting in the grounding. Federal authorities have stated they could impose sanctions on the vessel for breaking navigation rules.

Freighter Grinds to Halt off Mexico (worldmaritimenews.com)
N. Korea Ship Stuck off Mexican Coast (voanews.com)

Longshot

November 15, 2013 Paul Hancock

The fishing vessel Longshot sank in the Gulf of Mexico off Mobile, Alabama. The fishing vessel suffered water ingress in rough seas and requested assistance. The Coast Guard responded and dispatched a helicopter to the scene. The helicopter delivered a dewatering pump to the Longshot, but the additional pump was unable to control the flooding. The five crew on the Longshot decided to abandon ship and were hoisted to safety. The crew were taken to an offshore drilling unit before taken ashore the following day. No reports of injuries.

Hercules 265

July 24, 2013 Paul Hancock

The Hercules 265 jack-up rig caught fire in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana. The rig had recently been preparing the well for production when natural gas came flowing out of the well. The natural gas caught fire a short time later developing into a large blaze. The Hercules 265 suffered significant damage as the fire caused part of the rig to collapse. The beams supporting the derrick and drilling rig floor have fallen over the rig structure. The fire extinguished after sediment and sand clogged the well. No reports of injuries on board as the 44 crew on board had escaped to the rig’s lifeboats when the natural gas began to spewing from the well. Photos of the area show that pollution had been released, but no reports on efforts to contain or clean-up the slick. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.